Israeli Education Minister Defends "Homosexual Conversion Therapy"

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Rafi Peretz was appointed Israeli Minister of Education in June

Israeli Education Minister Rafi Peretz believes that so-called "homosexual conversion therapy" can work and trigger a widespread condemnation. He added that he has "a very deep familiarity with the subject".

Benjamin Netanyahu said such statements are "unacceptable". Other politicians and gay groups also criticized.

What did Mr. Peretz say?

"I think it's possible to convert [someone̵

7;s sexual orientation]," said Mr. Peretz on Saturday.

"I can tell you that I'm familiar with education, and so have I."

He described how he had behaved when a gay person told him about his sexual inclinations. [19659007] "First of all, I hugged him, I said very warm things to him, I said to him, 'Let's think, let's learn, and let's think.'

" The goal is first, that he knows himself well … and then he will decide, "said Mr. Peretz.

Later, he tried to clarify his comments, saying that he did not intend that gay children would need to receive" conversion therapy. " , reports the Jerusalem Post.

How did Israel respond to Mr. Peretz 'comments on the position of the government I lead? "

The Prime Minister said he personally met with Mr. Peretz, a leading member of the ultranationalist coalition United Right, speaking to express his criticism.

Nitzan Horowitz, head of the government The left-wing Meretz party said that "homosexual conversion therapy" is a dangerous practice involving extremely serious circumstances for adolescents, including suicide.

The Israeli LGBT task force Aguda called for the resignation of Mr. Peretz.